Electrical Diagnosis and Repair

Electrical Fault Finding Simple Hourly Pricing

We trace electrical faults, identify the cause and repair them where possible. You pay for the engineer’s time on site and any materials used.

No call-out fee Diagnosis included Extra costs agreed first
Book an Engineer 020 3488 2928
Electrical fault finding and fixing in London

Find the Cause of an Electrical Fault

We test the affected circuit, trace the cause and repair the fault where possible during the visit.

No call-out fee Diagnosis included in the time charged Extra costs agreed first
01 · Service overview

How Electrical Fault Finding Helps

Fault finding identifies where a problem starts and what needs to be repaired.

01

Locate the Fault

We narrow the problem down to the affected circuit, accessory or connection.

02

Confirm the Cause

Testing helps us separate the actual fault from the symptom you have noticed.

03

Repair Where Possible

If the repair can be completed during the visit, we carry it out using agreed materials.

Do not keep resetting a circuit that continues to trip. Sparking, a burning smell or exposed live parts need urgent electrical help.
02 · Faults we check

Common Electrical Problems We Trace

We start with the reported problem and test the relevant parts of the installation.

01

Repeated Tripping

A circuit breaker or RCD trips again after being reset.

02

Loss of Power

A socket, light or complete circuit has stopped working.

03

Intermittent Faults

The problem comes and goes without an obvious pattern.

04

Flickering Lights

Lights flicker, dim or cut out while in use.

05

Damaged Accessories

A socket, switch or fixed connection shows visible damage or heat marks.

06

Unusual Sounds or Smells

Buzzing, crackling or a burning smell suggests a fault needs checking.

The cause determines the repair

Testing Comes Before Replacement

We test the affected circuit before recommending parts or wider work. This keeps the repair focused on the confirmed cause.

03 · Warning signs

When to Arrange Fault Finding

Book an electrician when a fault repeats, affects normal use or shows signs of heat damage.

RCD

Repeated Tripping

The same breaker or RCD keeps switching off.

Power

Partial Power Loss

One room, circuit or group of sockets has no power.

Heat

Heat or Discolouration

A plug, socket or switch feels hot or has visible marks.

Noise

Buzzing or Crackling

An accessory or fixed connection makes an unusual sound.

Before the appointment

Note when the fault occurs, which circuit trips and what was being used at the time. This can help narrow the search.

If there is smoke, sparking or a strong burning smell, stop using the affected equipment or circuit if it is safe to do so and call for urgent help.
04 · The appointment

How We Find the Fault

We start with the symptoms, test the affected circuit and explain what we find.

  1. 01

    Discuss the Problem

    Tell us what happened, when it started and whether the fault is constant or intermittent.

  2. 02

    Check the Affected Area

    We inspect the relevant circuit, accessories and visible connections.

  3. 03

    Trace the Cause

    Electrical tests help us isolate the fault and confirm what is causing it.

  4. 04

    Explain the Repair

    We complete the repair where possible or explain the work needed next.

Before we arrive

Keep the Affected Area Accessible

Clear access to the consumer unit and affected points helps us start testing sooner.

  • Do not repeatedly reset a tripping circuit
  • Note which lights, sockets or appliances are affected
  • Keep the consumer unit clear
  • Tell us if the fault has changed or stopped
Short power interruptions may be needed while we isolate and test the affected circuit. Tell us about essential or sensitive equipment before work begins.
What May Need Separate Approval
  • Replacement parts and materials
  • Work outside the reported fault
  • Opening finished walls, ceilings or floors
  • A return visit if parts or wider work are needed
05 · Repairs

What Happens After We Find the Cause

The next step depends on the fault, access and any parts required.

Find

Cause Confirmed

We explain where the fault is and what has caused it.

Fix

Repair Completed

Where possible, we repair the fault during the same visit.

Part

Replacement Part Needed

We explain the part and cost before fitting it.

Work

Further Work Needed

Wider work is discussed and agreed before it starts.

Simple repairCompleted during the visit where possible.
Parts requiredMaterials are charged as used.
Wider workThe scope and cost are agreed first.
Before extra work starts

You Know What Has Been Found

We explain the cause, the proposed repair and any extra cost before continuing.

Book an Engineer
06 · Pricing

Simple Hourly Pricing

You pay for the engineer's time on site and any materials used.

No call-out feeDiagnosis is covered by the time charged.
Time on site
Hourly

The same hourly rate covers testing, diagnosis and repair time.

No separate call-out charge
Book EngineerCall Now
Time on site only
Clear pricing Diagnosis
Included

Tracing the cause is part of the engineer's time on site.

No separate diagnosis fee
Book EngineerCall Now
Included in the time charged
Materials
As Used

You only pay for replacement parts and materials that are needed.

Extra costs agreed first
Book EngineerCall Now
Added only where required
Further work
Agreed

We explain any wider work or return visit before you approve it.

No extra work starts without agreement
Book EngineerCall Now
Scope and cost confirmed first

The time needed depends on the fault, access and how consistently the problem occurs. We discuss parts or further work before adding them.

07 · Why the service matters

Why Electrical Fault Finding Matters

Fault finding traces an electrical problem back to its source. Once identified, the fault can be repaired where possible or the next steps can be explained clearly.

Do not ignore signs of a serious electrical fault. Sparking, burning smells, hot sockets, repeated tripping or sudden power loss should be checked promptly by an emergency electrician in London.

Safety around the propertyShock and Burn Risks

A damaged cable, socket or connection can expose live parts or make an electrical fitting unsafe to use.

Damaged wiring

Worn insulation or exposed conductors can make sockets, switches and other electrical points unsafe.

Faulty accessories

A damaged socket, switch or fitting may become hot, stop working or expose live components.

Unsafe connections

Loose or damaged connections can cause intermittent power, heat or arcing.

Stop using any affected fitting until it has been checked. If the problem presents an immediate risk, contact our emergency electrician service.

Heat and fire riskOverheating and Fire Risk

Loose connections and overloaded circuits can create heat behind sockets, inside junctions or within the consumer unit.

Loose connections

A poor connection can create resistance, heat and arcing around electrical terminals.

Overloaded circuits

Older circuits can overheat when the electrical load exceeds what they were designed to carry.

Warning signs

Buzzing, discolouration, scorch marks and burning smells need prompt investigation.

If testing shows that the existing protection is unsuitable, we can assess whether a fuse box or consumer unit upgrade is appropriate.

Tripping and power lossRepeated Faults Usually Have a Cause

Resetting a tripped circuit may restore power, but it does not explain why the fault happened. Testing helps locate the affected circuit or item.

Repeated tripping

A circuit that keeps tripping may have damaged wiring, a faulty accessory or a problem with connected equipment.

Intermittent power

Power that comes and goes can point to a loose connection or a fault affecting part of the circuit.

One area without power

Testing can separate a local fault from a wider problem with the circuit or consumer unit.

A fault does not automatically mean the property needs a full rewire. If wider deterioration is found, a separate electrical rewiring assessment can establish which wiring is affected.

Diagnosis and next stepsFix the Cause, Not Only the Symptom

Fault finding narrows down the cause before repair work begins. This avoids replacing parts without knowing where the problem starts.

Targeted testing

The electrician checks the affected circuit, fittings and connections to trace the fault.

Repair where possible

If the cause can be fixed during the visit, the repair is completed using any materials required.

Clear next steps

If further work is needed, the problem and repair options are explained before extra costs are agreed.

For ongoing electrical work at larger properties or commercial premises, our electrical contractor service can support planned repairs and upgrades.

RCD Electrical · Fault Finding and Fixing

Get the Fault Checked at Its Source

You pay for the electrician's time on site and any materials used. Any additional cost is discussed before further work begins.

Book Fault Finding020 3488 2928
Fault finding uses one hourly rate with no separate call-out fee. Diagnosis is included; materials and any further agreed work are charged separately.
Before you book

Details That Help Us Trace Your Electrical Fault

A clear description of the symptoms, affected areas and access arrangements helps us prepare for the visit and start testing sooner.

Describe the Symptoms

Tell us whether the issue involves tripping, power loss, flickering, heat, buzzing or another unusual electrical problem.

Identify What Is Affected

Mention the room, circuit, socket, light or appliance involved, how often the fault occurs and what was in use when it started.

Confirm Access and Power Needs

Keep the consumer unit and affected points accessible, and tell us about alarms or essential equipment that may need to remain powered.

Book an Engineer Call 020 3488 2928
RCD Electrical electrician investigating an electrical fault in a London property
Electrical fault finding guidance

Fault Finding Questions

Clear answers about electrical faults, testing, repairs, appointment times and charges in London.

Make the area safe before testing begins

If you notice sparks, heat, a burning smell or damaged wiring, stop using the affected circuit or fitting. Do not keep resetting a breaker that continues to trip.

01What is electrical fault finding?

Electrical fault finding is a focused check used to locate the cause of a problem within a circuit, fitting or electrical installation. Once the fault is identified, the electrician can explain the repair needed.

02When should I book fault finding?

Book an appointment if power keeps tripping, sockets or lights stop working, a fault comes and goes, or an electrical fitting behaves unusually.

03What types of electrical faults can be investigated?

Testing can cover tripping circuits, loss of power, faulty sockets, lighting problems, damaged accessories and wiring faults. The checks are directed by the symptoms found at the property.

04Why does my fuse board or consumer unit keep tripping?

A circuit may trip because of a faulty appliance, damaged wiring, an overloaded circuit or a problem with connected equipment. Testing is needed to separate the possible causes and locate the fault.

05Can you find an intermittent electrical fault?

Intermittent faults can be investigated, but they may take longer to trace because the problem is not always present during testing. Details about when and how the fault occurs can help narrow it down.

06Why has one socket or light stopped working?

The cause may be at the fitting, elsewhere on the circuit or within its connection to the consumer unit. The affected points need to be checked before the correct repair can be confirmed.

07What should I do if I notice sparks or a burning smell?

Stop using the affected socket, switch, appliance or circuit. If it is safe to do so, isolate the power and arrange an emergency electrician rather than continuing to use it.

08How is an electrical fault located?

The electrician checks the reported symptoms, inspects the relevant circuit and uses suitable tests to narrow down the cause. Access may be needed to the consumer unit and affected sockets, switches or fittings.

09Will the electricity need to be switched off?

Short interruptions may be needed so the affected circuit can be isolated and tested safely. Tell us before work starts if alarms, medical equipment or other essential items must remain powered.

10How long does fault finding take?

The time depends on the type of fault, how often it occurs, the number of circuits involved and access to the installation. Some faults are found quickly, while intermittent or concealed problems need more testing.

11How is fault finding charged?

Charges are based on the electrician’s attendance and the time spent tracing and fixing the fault. Any replacement parts or additional work are charged separately and explained before proceeding.

12Can the fault be repaired during the same visit?

A straightforward fault may be repaired during the visit if the cause is confirmed and the required parts are available. If further work is needed, the electrician will explain the next step.

13Is fault finding the same as an EICR?

No. Fault finding targets a specific electrical problem. An EICR assesses the condition of the existing fixed electrical installation and records the inspection and test results.

14What details are needed before booking?

Provide the postcode, describe the symptoms and say when the problem started. Mention which rooms or circuits are affected, how often it happens and whether anything changed before the fault appeared.

Book electrical fault finding in London

Tell Us What the Electrical Problem Is

Have the postcode and a short description of the fault ready when arranging the appointment.

Book Fault Finding020 3488 2928
Related electrical services

The next service depends on the fault identified and the condition of the wider installation.

Urgent electrical help

Emergency Electrician

Help with power loss, tripping circuits, burning smells and dangerous electrical faults. Wider installation checks

EICR Inspection

Inspect the fixed installation where testing suggests concerns beyond one reported fault. Circuit protection

Fuse Box Installation

Review an older fuse box or consumer unit where protection needs wider work. Full and partial replacement

Electrical Rewiring

Assess wider replacement where testing identifies ageing or unsuitable wiring. Escape route lighting

Emergency Lighting

Installation, testing and maintenance of emergency lighting systems. Detection and warning

Fire Alarm Services

Fire alarm installation, testing and maintenance for London properties. Vehicle charging supply

EV Charger Installation

Install a suitable electric vehicle charger with the required electrical supply. Network connections

Data Wiring & Cabling

Structured data cabling for homes, offices and commercial spaces. Planned electrical work

Electrical Contractor

Coordinate planned repairs and upgrades at larger residential or commercial properties. Electrical supply and controls

Air-Conditioning Electrics

Electrical supplies, isolators and related work for air-conditioning systems.
London coverage

Electrical Fault Finding Across London

We attend electrical faults across Central, West and North West London, including the areas below.

  • Fulham
  • Hammersmith
  • Chelsea
  • Kensington
  • Holland Park
  • Putney
  • Battersea
  • Westminster
  • Central London
  • West London
  • North West London
  • Blackfriars
  • Golders Green
  • Finchley
  • Hendon
  • Hampstead
  • West Hampstead

For another London location, send us the postcode and we will confirm availability.

Book electrical fault finding in London

Book an Electrical Engineer

Tell us what is happening, which areas are affected and when the problem started. You can also send the details through our contact page.

Book an Engineer020 3488 2928

RCD Electrical provides certified electrical services across London, including emergency call-outs, EICR certificates, fault finding, rewiring and consumer unit upgrades.

⚡ Book an Electrician →

CONTACT RCD

☎
Landline 020 3488 2928
✉
Email info@rcdelectrician.co.uk
⌂
Headquarters 13 St Bride Street,
London EC4A 4AS
#
Company Registration 12910130
✓

CERTIFIED ELECTRICIANS

Safe, compliant and professional electrical work across London.

⚡

EMERGENCY SUPPORT

Fast electrical help for homes, landlords and businesses.

© 2026 RCD Electrical Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Company Registration Number: 12910130
Website Design & Copyright by Eliaweb Eliaweb Logo